Premier League Player Rankings for 2026-27

The question of the best player in the Premier League sparks nuanced discussions. To address this, The Athletic is rolling out its Premier League Player Rankings for the 2026-27 season. Utilizing form, data, and assessments from Phil Hay and Tim Spiers, the rankings aim to identify the league’s top 50 talents. Updated monthly, the list considers last season’s standout performances while anticipating future contributions from these gifted athletes.

A key observation this season is the departure of stars like Mohamed Salah and Rodri. Surprisingly, players worth millions are absent from the list, underscoring the fierce competition. As we delve into the rankings, here’s an overview of the top players:

50. Jordan Pickford (Everton): A consistent presence, Pickford is admired for his reliability under pressure.
49. Iliman Ndiaye (Everton): Known for his dribbling prowess, he invigorates Everton’s attack.
48. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United): After a rollercoaster journey, he’s showing potential for United.
47. Alex Scott (Bournemouth): His midfield contributions earned him player of the year at Bournemouth.
46. Youri Tielemans (Manchester United): A creative force, Tielemans is set to enhance United’s offensive play.
45. Matheus Cunha (Manchester United): Cunha aims to find his best role after a learning year at United.
44. Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur): Despite Spurs’ struggles, he stands out as a top-tier defender.
43. Eberechi Eze (Arsenal): Following a triumphant season, Eze promises dynamic plays.
42. Rayan (Bournemouth): A burgeoning talent from Vasco da Gama with a hefty release clause.
41. Mateus Fernandes (Tottenham Hotspur): A midfield powerhouse praised for technical prowess.
40. Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal): A goal machine expected to improve against elite teams.
39. Sandro Tonali (Tottenham Hotspur): Enhancing Spurs’ lineup, Tonali adds dynamism.
38. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa): Known for reliable goal-scoring and high work rate.
37. Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace): A 22-year-old with remarkable passing abilities.
36. Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United): His attacking capabilities add depth to United’s squad.
35. Marc Guehi (Manchester City): A skilled defender with potential for leadership roles.
34. Phil Foden (Manchester City): Looking to regain form and influence at this pivotal moment.
33. Igor Thiago (Brentford): A high-performing forward fitting Brentford’s tactical style.
32. Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa): Valued for calm and effective defending.
31. Reece James (Chelsea): Injury-prone but among the top right-backs.
30. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City): Elite goalkeeping skills enrich City’s defensive lineup.
29. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool): Aiming for resurgence after a challenging season.
28. Ruben Dias (Manchester City): His anticipation sets him apart in defense.
27. Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest): An all-action midfielder vital to Forest.
26. Granit Xhaka (Sunderland): Transformed the team with leadership and skill.
25. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal): His creative plays are pivotal for Arsenal’s success.
24. Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool): A hopeful return from injury and continued goal scoring.
23. Morgan Rogers (Chelsea): An athletic midfielder with a hefty price tag.
22. Alisson (Liverpool): Continues to impact games despite age-related challenges.
21. Alexander Isak (Liverpool): An elegant forward aiming to bounce back.
20. Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace): A valuable asset known for pace and maturity.
19. Jeremy Doku (Manchester City): Renowned for his aggressive dribbling style.
18. Joao Pedro (Chelsea): Combines skills of a classic No 9 and No 10.
17. Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea): A vibrant midfielder with potential to shine.
16. Rayan Cherki (Manchester City): Celebrated for his artistic style of play.
15. David Raya (Arsenal): His reflexes and goalkeeping skills frequently earn points.
14. Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City): Displays both power and finesse.
13. Cole Palmer (Chelsea): A creative force under pressure to regain form.
12. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool): A seasoned defender seeking resurgence.
11. Florian Wirtz (Liverpool): Set to excel with strategic gameplay and vision.
10. Elliot Anderson (Manchester City): A recent high-value transfer with promising skills.
9. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): Known for his devastating plays from the right flank.
8. Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool): A master of creative play and free kicks.
7. Moises Caicedo (Chelsea): Highly regarded midfielder crucial to Chelsea.
6. Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal): Dynamic with significant offensive contributions.
5. William Saliba (Arsenal): Celebrated for his defensive prowess and popularity.
4. Gabriel (Arsenal): A cornerstone of Arsenal’s defensive lineup.
3. Declan Rice (Arsenal): Justifies his high transfer fee with his impactful play.
2. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): Record-breaking midfielder carrying United.
1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Renowned poacher with outstanding goal statistics.

These rankings provide insights into individual abilities and contributions, combining narratives from past performances and current expectations. The list celebrates both established stars and emerging talents within the Premier League.